Villas in Italy - any ideas?

[georgiemum]

We have booked a few over the years by through the same company - which has been very good, although not the cheapest, I suspect. We have always plumped for Tuscany (Arezzo/Florence/Siena).

Has anyone experience with letting agencies which are good and maybe other areas in Italy? We like peace and quiet, a pool and garden, near(ish) some lovely historical sites.

have you tried booking direct with an owner?

Try Owners Direct - my parents use them to advertise their villa and seem good

Just saw this description for one villa:

Children, pets and smoking are not allowed in the house. is not suitable for children - too many nice things for them to break, and too many opportunities for them to plunge to their death.

Sounds almost gleeful!!!

Try looking on a site called ciaobambino - it's got lots of child friendly places in Italy (and some other countries) on it. We stayed at one property the summer before last called La Foce - it was really delightful, you might have a look at their own site if you are interested in Tuscany.

Ohhh I will do so right now. We stayed in some lovely ones but they are much too big when there is just 3 of us.

What about this one? This is our place.www.ownersdirect.co.uk/italy/IT2978.htm.There isn't a pool but the price reflects that?

This one is in Le Marche with views to die for. We went there in Aug 2007, a real shot in the dark, found it on the internet but all OK. Also have this one and this one stored on my favourites.

Hi
We've been to Italy many times and normally look for the same things; peace, tranquility, pool views and access to history, culture and lovely scenery.

Of all the holidays in many regions I must say that we enjoyed Le Marche the most, away from the crowds, phenomenal scenery and so much to see and do. There's lots to keep the kids happy and in July and up to 20 August you can guarantee a festa every day and night.

Our best holiday of a few in the region was at this Italian Villa in Le Marche our apartment was lovely and well equipped and as there were 3 others the kids got to meet some playmates, the pool is very big and has amazing views,they are child friendly, have loads of books and dvds, SKY , games and its only 2km from a great medieval town with lots of restaurants, crazy golf and a good childrens playground. Oh and you can pick free organic veg from their garden

We have used agencies in the past, but when chatting to owners of the properties found that these agencies were taking between up to 50% of the fee- so nowadays we always book direct.

Hi,

Try Discovery Travel. They have several beautiful baby and child friendly villas in Southern Italy and Umbria. They include a baby pack at some properties with highchair, cot, steamer, monitor. See the article in the independent - www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/katy-holland-do-babyfriendly-foreign-holidays-really-ex ist-1662685.html

www.discovery-travel.co.uk

We stayed here last Sept. If you are able to wait for late availability offers, they will normally discount. We got 20% a fortnight before we were due to go. Obviously, I had the budget flights already booked so only had to wait for a last minute special offer on the accommodation (this is my usual modus operandi)

Oh wait till you see my friends aunts villa.

hang on

villa santoro